Warm welcome to the new generation of golf centres

Willow Valley is one of the modern generation of golfing centres which aims to provide a complete wrap-round facility for the game.

It has two 18-hole courses, one nine-holer, a 24-bay driving range and coaching facilities, including indoor video set-up.

It aims to provide something to cater for the beginner as well as the low handicapper keen to test themselves against a good course.

Originally farmland, the first 18 holes opened in 1997; a second course, the Pine Valley, followed later. Fifteen lakes have been created, eight tons of bulbs planted and 50,000 trees and shrubs added.

The result is that the course has been named as venue for the Yorkshire Professional Golfers’ Association Championship until 2013.

Ilkley Gazette: Willow Valley Golf Club

The decision was taken by the owners to turn this into a top golf course and golf architect Jonathan Gaunt was called in to help.

A network of lakes – there’s a lake on 11 of the 18 holes on the top course, the Willow Valley – produces a memorable round for golfers.

Each hole is a challenge. For example, on the sixth, water, a rock face and a tree guard the green, while the 14th’s island green, pictured, has you deciding whether to lay up or go for it in regulation.

Pine Valley, the number two course, is of less exacting standard but still enjoyable, while Fountain Ridge – with three par fours and six par threes – is ideal for beginners.

All greens are of USGA regulation standard, allowing the course to stay open in the most inclement of weather.

FACT FILE

Name: Willow Valley Golf Club

Address: Highmoor Lane, Clifton, Brighouse, HD6 4JB

Website: wvgc.co.uk

Telephone: (01274) 828624

President: None

Club pro: Julian Haworth, pictured right

Annual fee: £718

Visitor fee: £26 Mon-Fri, £38 weekend

Course length: 6,486 yards

Par: 72

Signature hole: 14th – long par 4 played to an island green

Shop: Yes

Ilkley Gazette: Willow Valley Golf Club professional Julian Haworth
Ilkley Gazette: Willow Valley Golf Club